With the help of remote monitoring technology, MedStar Visiting Nurse Association (MVNA) has helped its patients achieve a 60% lower hospital readmission rate than the Maryland, Washington, D.C, and national averages. Based on data captured on Medicare patients enrolled in the telehealth program, between November 2017 and December 2018, just 7.46% of patients were sent back to the hospital over individual 30-day assessment periods.
MVNA partnered with Health Recovery Solutions (HRS), a telehealth software provider, to launch their remote monitoring program in 2017. Participants enrolled in MVNA's remote patient monitoring program are considered high risk for readmission to the hospital because they suffer from chronic conditions like obstructive pulmonary disease or advanced heart failure.
Patients receive a 4G tablet and several Bluetooth biometric monitoring devices preloaded with HRS' software, which they use to record and share their vital signs with their home healthcare team. The tablet also allows patients to communicate with their team via text, call, or video. Additionally, patients can access medication reminders and educational materials as needed. The technology gives MVNA nurses the ability to monitor patients in real-time 24 hours a day, seven days a week via HRS's clinician dashboard.
"The HRS remote monitoring technology allows our homecare nurses to monitor their patients' progress in between in-person visits so we can identify negative symptoms before they turn into a medical emergency," said MedStar VNA President Traci Anderson. "Patients tell us that the remote monitoring and self-care education gives them peace of mind and a greater sense of comfort and support at home."
Statistics confirm: nearly 78% of patients placed on MedStar VNA's remote monitoring program agree they are more involved in their care due to the program, and nearly 79% stated they would recommend remote monitoring to a family member or friend. Thanks to MedStar VNA's individualized patient care coupled with HRS' telemonitoring platform, patients are more engaged in their own treatment. More importantly, patients are able to recover in their homes and MedStar VNA is able to reduce hospital readmissions.
To bring the benefits of remote monitoring services to even more patients, MedStar VNA has been actively expanding this program. Recently, it began a partnership with MedStar Palliative Telehealth: Connecting Hospital to Home, or "PATCH" program, to deliver remote monitoring services to palliative care patients living in and around Baltimore. Soon, the organization will extend remote monitoring to individuals in Washington and the surrounding communities.
HRS Director of Client Success, Nolan Santosa, said he looks forward to working with MedStar VNA's dedicated clinical team throughout the program expansion, adding, "MedStar VNA's innovative program has placed them at the forefront of telehealth care."
About MedStar VNA:
MedStar VNA provides home healthcare services for homebound, disabled, and chronically ill patients in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. A nonprofit, Joint Commission-accredited organization, MedStar VNA offers skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, and medical social work services. MedStar VNA is a proud member of the MedStar Health system. For more information about MedStar VNA, call 800-862-2166 or visit http://www.MedStarVNA.org.
About Health Recovery Solutions:
Health Recovery Solutions (HRS) supplies leading home care agencies with the most advanced remote monitoring platform focused on changing patient behavior to reduce readmissions and improve clinical outcomes. HRS' disease-specific engagement kits are customized with educational video, care plans, medication reminders while integrated with Bluetooth peripherals to engage clients. For clinicians, HRS' software allows for the management of high-risk clients and provides seamless communication with them through video chat, wound imaging, and text messaging. For family members and caregivers, HRS' software gives them the ability to be fully involved in their family member's care and well-being. To learn more about Health Recovery Solutions, visit http://www.healthrecoverysolutions.com or call (347) 699-6477.